Sanofi, Transgene in Long-Term Production Pact

Sanofi and Transgene SA have entered a collaboration for the creation of a new industrial platform for the production of immunotherapy products at Genzyme’s Polyclonals site in Lyon. Both companies will invest a combined $13 million. The platform will remain Sanofi’s exclusive property. The manufacturing suite is expected to be completed in 1Q15 with the first batches of commercial grade products expected in 2015.
 
Sanofi and Genzyme will serve as Transgene’s CMO for clinical and commercial batches of Transgene’s immunotherapy products, including its MVA therapeutic vaccines. Transgene will be a preferred customer of the commercial manufacturing platform for 15 years.
 
“Transgene is extremely pleased to announce this agreement with the Sanofi Group, as it combines the strong expertise of recognized experts and pioneers in the fields of gene therapy and vaccines,” said Philippe Archinard, chairman and chief executive officer of Transgene. “This collaboration will secure Transgene’s commercial production over the long run, enabling us to focus our resources on development and marketing of our products.”
 
“The Lyon area is a strategic place for Sanofi in the field of immunology, and I am extremely pleased to announce this collaboration with Transgene, representing a total investment of 10 million euro on Genzyme Polyclonals site in the Lyon Gerland area,” said Olivier Charmeil, president and chief executive officer of Sanofi Pasteur. “Merial, Sanofi Pasteur and Genzyme will share locally their expertise to successfully implement this state-of-the-art platform and build a center of excellence available for Transgene and potentially other customers.”